A very unusual occurrence. I wonder if the RAIB▸ will be informed.
Unusual, or unprecedented? There was the potential for disaster, even if the outcome was mere inconvenience, so I suppose the RAIB will need to be told. If no-one knows whether they should be told or not, I would imagine the default position is to give them a call.
I understand as soon as the brake lines separated it would apply emergency brakes throughout. Lucky nobody in that vestibule at the split, but guess that's unlikely between a power car and coach.
Reports elsewhere the lead carriage was recently back from its C4 work/exam.
Lucky nobody in that vestibule at the split, but guess that's unlikely between a power car and coach.
On
XC▸ sets there is public access to the vestibules at both ends. At the standard class end there is the bike store while at the first class end you have the usual sliding door leading out to the vestibule.
It is slightly different on
GWR▸ sets. The
TM‡'s office is at the standard class end, but you can access the vestibule at the first class end - and there is a toilet there too.
If the brakes suddenly came on and you are in the vestibule, you could be thrown forward - doesn't bear thinking about.
It's unusual...this is not the first time this has happened to a
HST▸ (or other T&RS) albeit with altered circumstances.
No potential for disaster...as correctly stated - as soon as the brake pipe hoses are parted the brakes will apply - that is the design.
There are locked inward opening gangway end doors so nobody is getting 'thrown' out of the vestibule Hollywod style.
The RAIB will always be informed & they will advise what actions they require ie. Move nothing/Recover but quarantine/No further action required etc.
Cant comment further on the rest but you only have to look at the conditon of the bogies and coupler on the coaches in the picture and the powercar to start to work things out.
